Thinking Of Hiring An Animation Studio, Freelancer or Video Igniter?

Now that you’ve thought through the criteria for picking an animator for your video project, what types of animation producers are available to you? Lots of people plan on hiring an animation studio to work with – but these days, there are many more options available that are more affordable and can offer a wider array of unique visual styles for your animated video.

If you have a question about hiring an animated video producer that isn’t answered in this article, you can use our contact form to ask your question or click the image below to with a member of our production team:

Hiring A Freelance Animator

Good for smaller projects (under 2 minutes); not necessarily recommended for large or difficult projects because there’s only so much they can do by themselves and production would be slow.

Price Range: $50-$10,000+

Pros: Typically faster and less expensive to work with.

Cons: Limited range of artistic styles they can produce based on the types of animation programs they have proficiency in. They may or may not have storytelling capabilities to help create or improve your script or storyboard. Although it is rare, there is a risk that a freelance video animator can ghost you in the middle of your project.

Hiring An Animator From a Marketplace

Searching an online market place of digital animation studios and freelancers can yield hundreds of options. Many of these studies and freelancers are competing to be the cheapest option and the quality shows. You can get excellent service if you’re the only project they’re working on – but many of these freelancers price their projects so low that they have to take on many projects at once which can result in extended production timelines.

Price Range: $100-$7,500+

Pros: Studios and freelancers that have been vetted by the marketplace are less likely to ghost you mid-way through production. The marketplace also enables you to compare the price and quality of different animators.

Cons: While you can find good quality animators and animation studios to work with through a video production marketplace website, often times, people are seeking the cheapest option which means animators compete to submit the lowest bid and then they may not provide quality service or work.

Hiring an Animation Studio

If you’re thinking about hiring an animation studio to make your animated video, you should plan on having a budget of at least $5,000 but likely a lot more. Animation studios are best suited for big budget projects. You can usually get a better range of animation production styles when you work with a larger studio.

Price Range: $5,000-$500,000+

Pros: Hiring an animation studio means you’ll get high quality work, professionally managed, and there’s a good chance they have good in-house storytellers.

Cons: Studios typically have a speciality – 2D or 3D, commercial or long form for TV, etc so you’ll need to dig around for a studio that specializes in the type of animated video you you want to produce.

Hiring a Marketing Agency

Good for one-off videos since the agency probably already knows a lot about your product/service/brand and can be very helpful when it comes to crafting your script and storyboard. If you plan to do multiple videos, consider hiring a freelancer, getting someone in-house to join your team, or try Video Igniter to save on your production budget.

Price Range: $5,000-$50,000+

Pros: Agencies typically have a network of animation studios, video production companies and animation freelancers they outsource the work to; their network means they can help connect you with a variety of different types of illustrators and animators. Agencies provide a high degree of client management and can help you craft a good script and storyboard for your animated video.

Cons: high markup – the marketing agency typically builds in a margin of several thousand dollars above what the animation studio or freelancer is charging them.

Hiring Video Igniter Animation Studio

Great for large and small projects. Our diverse team means there’s a wide range of aesthetic possibilities available for your video. We offer 24/7 support and unlimited revisions because we believe you should be 100% thrilled with the way your animated video looks.

Price Range: $500-$100,000+

Pros: Unlimited revisions. Our large team means we can produce longer videos and any kind of 2D or 3D animation you can imagine. We use technology to streamline the production experience which means it’s faster and easier for you to get custom animated content produced on your behalf and more of your budget is put into creativity, design and production rather than expensive overhead costs.

Cons: We work 100% virtually but we’re always available to jump on a video call to go over details of your video.

Why Hiring an Animation Studio is a Smart Investment

Hiring an animation studio ensures you get a professional, high-quality video that engages your audience, strengthens your brand, and conveys your message effectively. Animation studios have experienced teams that specialize in scriptwriting, storyboarding, animation, and post-production, ensuring every aspect of your video is polished and impactful.

Steps to Hiring an Animation Studio

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

Before you start searching for an animation studio, clarify your objectives. Ask yourself:

• What message do I want to convey?
• Who is my target audience?
• What style of animation best fits my brand (2D, 3D, motion graphics, whiteboard animation)?
• What is my budget for this project?

Having a clear vision and budget will help you communicate effectively with animation studios and find one that aligns with your needs.

2. Research and Shortlist Animation Studios

When hiring an animation studio, take time to research and compare different options. Look for studios that have:

• A diverse and high-quality portfolio.
• Experience in your industry.
• Positive client testimonials and reviews.
• A clear and transparent pricing structure.

Search online for “best animation studios for [your industry]” and check directories like Clutch, Upwork, and Behance to find reputable animation studios.

3. Review Portfolios and Case Studies

A studio’s past work is a strong indicator of their capabilities. When reviewing portfolios:

• Look for videos with high production value.
• Check if their animation style matches your brand’s identity.
• Pay attention to storytelling, voiceover quality, and attention to detail.

Many studios also showcase case studies that detail their animation process and results, which can help you gauge whether they’re a good fit for your project.

4. Ask the Right Questions

Once you’ve shortlisted animation studios, reach out and ask questions like:

• What is your animation production process?
• What is the estimated timeline for completion?
• How many revisions are included in the pricing?
• Do you provide scriptwriting and voiceover services?
• Can you provide references from past clients?

Their responses will help you determine their professionalism, communication skills, and ability to meet your expectations.

5. Understand the Animation Process

Hiring an animation studio means working through a structured process that includes:

• Concept Development: Brainstorming ideas and defining the video’s core message.
• Scriptwriting: Crafting a compelling script tailored to your audience.
• Storyboarding: Creating visual frames to map out the video’s flow.
• Animation & Production: Bringing the storyboard to life with illustrations, animation and a voiceover.
• Editing & Final Delivery: Refining the video, adding sound effects, and exporting the final product.

Understanding this process ensures you know what to expect and can collaborate efficiently with the studio.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Animation Studio

1. Choosing Based on Price Alone

While budget is important, opting for the cheapest option often leads to lower-quality animations, missed deadlines, and limited revisions. Instead, focus on value—choose a studio that offers the best balance of price and quality.

2. Not Defining Your Vision Clearly

Providing vague instructions can lead to multiple revisions and delays. Clearly outline your goals, preferred style, and brand guidelines before production begins.

3. Not Checking Reviews and Testimonials

A reputable animation studio should have positive client reviews and case studies. If they lack reviews or have mixed feedback, proceed with caution.

4. Ignoring Communication and Collaboration

Regular communication with the studio ensures a smooth production process. Choose a studio that keeps you updated and values your feedback.

Finding the Right Animation Studio for Your Needs

When hiring an animation studio, consider their expertise, portfolio, communication style, and pricing. A great studio will not only deliver a high-quality animation but also make the process enjoyable and stress-free.

At VideoIgniter.com, we specialize in creating custom animated videos tailored to your unique needs. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, contact us today for a free consultation!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to hiring an animation studio that helps you create an engaging, professional, and effective animated video.

Types of Animation Studios to Consider

When hiring an animation studio, it’s important to recognize that not all studios are the same. Some specialize in corporate explainer videos, while others focus on character-driven storytelling or high-end 3D production. Broadly speaking, you’ll encounter three types of studios:

• Boutique Studios – Smaller teams that provide personalized service and unique visual styles. They’re great if you want a more artistic or custom look.
• Mid-Sized Studios – Offer a balance between affordability and scale. They usually provide a wide range of animation styles and have the bandwidth to handle complex projects.
• Large-Scale Studios – Typically handle high-budget productions like TV commercials, films, or extended campaigns. They have larger teams and can manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Knowing which type of animation studio best fits your project will save you time during your search.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

When hiring an animation studio, the headline price doesn’t always reflect the total cost of production. Some studios charge extra for services like:

• Multiple rounds of revisions (most of Video Igniter’s projects include unlimited revisions).
• Voiceover recording in different accents or languages
• Music licensing fees
• Scriptwriting and storyboarding
• Rush delivery timelines

Before you sign a contract, ask the studio for a detailed breakdown of what’s included in their quote. A transparent studio will explain exactly what you’re paying for and flag potential add-ons.

How to Compare Animation Studios Fairly

Many businesses make the mistake of comparing animation studios only on price. Instead, use these criteria to ensure a fair comparison:

• Consistency of Quality: Do they produce polished work across different projects, or just have one standout demo reel?
• Project Management: Will they assign a dedicated producer to guide your project?
• Creative Collaboration: How open are they to your ideas and feedback?
• Scalability: Can they handle follow-up projects, or do they only take on one-offs?

A side-by-side comparison chart of two or three studios you’re considering can help you visualize which partner is the right fit.

Signs You’ve Found the Right Animation Studio

The process of hiring an animation studio can feel overwhelming, but here are a few green flags that indicate you’ve found the right one:

• They ask thoughtful questions about your audience and goals before giving a quote.
• Their contract clearly outlines timelines, deliverables, and revision policies.
• They’re proactive with communication, offering updates without you having to chase them.
• Their creative suggestions elevate your initial idea instead of just executing it literally.

If you find a studio that checks all these boxes, chances are they’ll deliver a high-quality video and a smooth experience.

Red Flags to Avoid

Just as there are signs you’ve found a great studio, there are warning signs that should make you reconsider:

• Vague or incomplete contracts.
• Overpromising results (e.g., guaranteeing viral success).
• Unwillingness to show references or case studies.
• Poor communication during the initial consultation.

If something feels off, trust your instincts and keep searching.

Industry Expertise Matters

Hiring an animation studio that has experience in your industry can save you significant time and effort. For example, a studio that frequently produces healthcare animations will already understand HIPAA compliance and medical terminology. Similarly, a studio with fintech experience will know how to explain complex concepts clearly without oversimplifying. Industry expertise ensures faster production, fewer revisions, and a final video that resonates with your audience.

The Role of Storytelling in Animation

Animation isn’t just about visuals—it’s about telling a story. When hiring an animation studio, pay close attention to how they approach storytelling. Do they craft narratives that hook viewers in the first 10 seconds? Do they create emotional connections, even in explainer videos? The best studios combine design and narrative to keep audiences engaged and make your brand memorable.

Custom vs. Template-Based Animation

Not all animated videos are created from scratch. Some studios use pre-made templates to reduce costs. While this can be budget-friendly, it often results in generic videos that don’t stand out. If originality is important to your brand, make sure the animation studio you hire specializes in fully custom work. Ask them directly whether your project will be built from templates or designed uniquely for you.

Why Long-Term Relationships With Animation Studios Pay Off

Hiring an animation studio doesn’t have to be a one-time collaboration. Building a long-term relationship with a studio has benefits:

• Brand Consistency: They’ll understand your visual identity and messaging tone.
• Efficiency: Future projects will move faster since the studio already knows your process.
• Cost Savings: Some studios offer discounted rates for ongoing partnerships.
• Scalability: They can support you with a video series, training modules, or campaign rollouts.

Thinking long-term can help you maximize the value of your investment.

Emerging Trends in Animation to Keep in Mind

When hiring an animation studio, it helps to know where the industry is heading. Some of the current trends include:

• 3D Explainers and Motion Graphics Hybrids: Combining 2D and 3D elements for a modern, eye-catching style.
• Interactive Animations: Allowing viewers to engage with the video, often used in e-learning and sales tools.
• Short-Form Vertical Content: Optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
• AI-Assisted Animation: Some studios are adopting AI tools to speed up production while maintaining creative oversight.

Choosing a studio that stays ahead of trends ensures your video won’t feel outdated the moment it launches.

Final Thoughts: Make Hiring an Animation Studio Work for You

Hiring an animation studio isn’t just about finding someone who can animate—it’s about finding a creative partner who understands your brand, audience, and goals. By taking the time to compare studios, checking for industry expertise, and focusing on storytelling, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Whether you need a one-off explainer video or an ongoing series of animations, the right studio can become an extension of your team, helping you create content that captivates and converts.

Why Do People Love Hiring Video Igniter Animation?

World class design talent at prices small businesses can afford.

We can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine.

Check out our portfolio!

+20 reasons companies love hiring us to create animated videos.

Do you want to create an animated cryptocurrency video or an animated blockchain explainer video that explains how your technology works? We can help with that too.

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Video Animation Success Stories & Testimonials

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“My whole family and everyone on Facebook thinks you are amazing. My whole office is freaking out.”

Patricia Shields – Real Estate Agent

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

“I am beyond satisfied with my experience with Video Igniter. The first drafts of the work were almost exactly what I had in my head when developing the concept. After that each step along the way was seamless until arriving at a perfect finished product. And all this at a tremendous value. Anyone who has considered creating a marketing video should check out Video Igniter.”

Anonymous Customer Feedback

Get in touch if you want to hire an animator

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video.

Get a quote for your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and we’ll create your animation.

Resources for Hiring An Animation Studio

Here are some popular articles we recommend for your video production journey:

What is an online animated video maker and how do you use one to create a video?

What is an animation agency?

Animation services for agencies.

How do I hire and collaborate with a 2D animation studio to create my video?